DOS office calls freshmen to ward off homesickness

Midterms are approaching, schoolwork is piling up and the Warren Towers dining hall has lost its appeal for some homesick Boston University students.

But BU students are not alone.

In his book “The Naked Roommate,” author Harlan Cohen writes homesickness is “totally normal” because “about two thirds of students feel homesick” while in college.

According to Reslife.net, a website that offers “information and services about the college and residential experience,” homesickness occurs when a person leaves home and feels sadness or anger as a result of alienation from home.

To alleviate this feeling among the student body, the Dean of Students Office placed calls to freshmen students to see how they were settling in.

“They wanted to see how [the freshmen’s] experiences were at BU, to just check in,” said a DOS representative.

This is the first year that the DOS has done this, she said.

“We didn’t really get any grave concerns,” she said. “A few academic ones, but we just referred them to their colleges.”

For some students, homesickness is not an issue.

Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences freshman Megan Richmond said she has been “very mildly” homesick.

“I realized I’m not as homesick as I thought I’d be,” she said.

However, for others, the feeling was unavoidable.

“Even though my home was so close, I still felt homesick,” said School of Education junior Sarah Shainwald. “Staying connected with your family [is important].”

Reslife.net advises homesick students to talk to someone about how they are feeling, eat healthy and exercise to keep mood levels up.

However, the website warns against alcohol consumption, as it can worsen moods.

Many returning BU students said they found their own ways to cope with their homesickness.

“I would say get really involved in what you’re interested in because as you get more familiar with people in your clubs, teams or performing groups, and even floor or dorm mates you start to build a family away from home,” said School of Management sophomore Dennis Yu.

SMG junior Amar Ruparelia agreed that getting involved is a good distraction.

“Be open when you come as a freshman,” he said. “Go to different clubs, [and] get out of your comfort zone.”

BU students said they felt keeping close with loved ones at home is critical, whether or not they are homesick.

“I had a lot of friends who set up a day of the week to call home to their parents,” said SED junior Kristina Ortloff.

“I have been writing and receiving letters from my friends and calling home and Skyping,” added Richmond.

If students are feeling homesick or more depressed, they should also talk to their Resident Assistants because it may make them feel less alone or help them get advice on how to be more connected on campus, according to Reslife.net.

BU also offers therapy at The Danielsen Institute, Center for Anxiety Related Disorders and BU Psychological Services Center.